DRHS Archival Library to be Named for Drew Family

February 2006

The Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, together with descendants of Duxbury’s Drew family, are pleased to announce that the Society’s archival facility, soon to be installed in the Wright Building, will be known as the “Drew Archival Library.”

“We are so pleased,” DRHS President David Jenkins announced at the Society’s annual meeting on January 19, “that the descendants of the Drew Family have agreed with our suggestion that the Society find a knowledgeable buyer for the Drew House…The funds made available will generate a permanent endowment devoted to the support of the new archival library.  In honor of the family who donated the Drew House ninety years ago, the Society’s facility in the original section of the Wright Building will be called the Drew Archival Library.”

In 1916, the Drew House was given to the Society by Drew descendant Clara Ripley and her husband Charles in honor of her mother, Clara Drew Smith.  In Mrs. Ripley’s words, the Drew House was to serve as “a repository for interesting and historical articles.”  At the time, the building was known as the Union Store, featuring large storefront windows.  There were many commercial buildings surrounding the Drew House including a livery and later a grocery store and bowling alley.  The Rural Society eventually set about cleaning up the area, removing rubbish and pulling down derelict outbuildings.  Having served as a repository for “interesting historical articles” for much of the 20^th century, the Drew family’s gift will continue to serve the same function in a different manner.

In 2005, the Duxbury Board of Selectmen agreed to set aside most of the original portion of the Wright Building for use by the Society as a center for the preservation of historic documents belonging to the Society, the Town and possibly other groups.  The Society’s plans call for the Drew Archival Library to feature advanced climate control, oversight by a part-time archivist, a comfortable reading room, and small exhibits in the rotunda.  As part of the renovation, the architects, Finegold, Alexander & Associates, ordered a historic paint analysis of the interior.  The original color scheme, including dark wood stain and gilding around the reading room fireplace, will be restored.

“We are indebted to the Duxbury Community Preservation Committee for spearheading the renovation of the Wright Building,” said DRHS Executive Director Patrick Browne.  “Now the Society must do its part to make the Drew Library a first rate archival facility.  This is a major step in that process.”

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